City Comparison
Brunswick vs Portland
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brunswick scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brunswick
Portland
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Portland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in Brunswick.
Housing costs are a major driver: Brunswick's average rent is
21% lower than Portland's.
| Metric | Brunswick | Portland | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $2,088 | -21% |
| Groceries | $400 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,570 | $2,088 | +23% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brunswick offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Brunswick | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $74,952 | $79,540 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.8°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Brunswick sees 4.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brunswick | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.90°F | 47.70°F |
| Summer High | 77.10°F | 78.40°F |
| Winter Low | 12.90°F | 14.70°F |
| Rainfall | 40.30 in | 38.40 in |
| Snowfall | 47.30 in | 43.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | 254 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 71.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Portland has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Brunswick.
Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Brunswick leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Brunswick | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Portland is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Brunswick.
From a growth perspective, Brunswick is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brunswick | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,336 | 68,854 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.28% | 0.51% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 2.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brunswick
Advantages
Median household income stands at $74,952, outperforming many non-metropolitan areas in Maine.
Direct Amtrak Downeaster rail service connects downtown Brunswick directly to Boston.
Thriving innovation economy and job growth centered around the redeveloped Brunswick Landing campus.
Exceptional public safety with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Rich cultural and educational amenities driven by the presence of Bowdoin College.
Drawbacks
Housing inventory is tight, putting upward pressure on local rental and home purchase prices.
High heating and electricity utility costs during severe New England winters.
Modest public transit infrastructure outside of the downtown core and rail connection.
Property taxes can be burdensome for fixed-income residents and retirees.
Winter weather brings heavy snowfall averaging over 47 inches annually.
Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Brunswick
#162Maine, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
46.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.28%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
79
Business
70
Portland
#458Maine, USA
55.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
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